1956 Aeronca Chief – A Classic Taildragger with Low Total Time and Remarkable Condition

For pilots seeking a light aircraft with authentic vintage charm, reliable simplicity, and unbeatable value, the 1956 Aeronca Chief (N9171E) represents an exceptional opportunity. With only 1,746 hours total time, a recently overhauled engine with just 372 SMOH, and a brand-new wooden prop installed in 2024, this aircraft stands out as a well-preserved example of mid-century American aviation. Registered under serial number 11AC-802, this Chief is not just a classic—it’s a low-time, meticulously cared-for flyer ready for its next chapter.

As it goes to auction from May 28 to June 4, 2025, the aircraft reflects a balance of performance, affordability, and heritage. With complete logbooks, recent structural restoration, and no known corrosion or flaws, N9171E exemplifies the dependable nature of Aeronca design. For buyers in the market for a taildragger with character—and numbers that make sense—this is one to watch.

The Aeronca Chief: A Post-War Success Story

A Simple Design with Timeless Appeal

The Aeronca 11AC Chief was first introduced in 1945, designed as a side-by-side companion to Aeronca’s tandem-seating 7AC Champion. Developed during the surge of post-World War II civil aviation, the Chief catered to returning servicemen and new civilian pilots seeking simple, cost-effective recreational aircraft.

Unlike its tandem cousin, the Chief offeres side-by-side seating, excellent for snuggling your honey on a golden hour cruise or teaching side by side with the benefit of show and tell. Built with steel-tube fuselage, wooden wings, and fabric covering, the Chief remained light, responsive, and easy to maintain. It maintained tailwheel configuration for traditional handling and was powered by a Continental A-65-8 engine, delivering a modest yet capable 65 horsepower.

With a cruise speed of 85 mph, a useful load of 420 pounds, and a range of 445 miles, the Chief proved ideal for short cross-country flights, primary flight training, and low-cost operation.

Aeronca Aircraft Corporation: American Practicality

The Aeronca Aircraft Corporation, founded in 1928 in Cincinnati, Ohio, became one of the most prolific producers of light aircraft in the mid-20th century. The company emphasized practical aviation—aircraft that could be operated inexpensively and flown by pilots of varying experience levels. After World War II, Aeronca capitalized on the private flying boom by releasing models like the Chief and Champion, which remained in production well into the 1950s.

Although Aeronca ceased production of complete aircraft by the late 1950s, their designs remained active through rebuilds, restorations, and licensed production. The 11AC Chief, in particular, holds a nostalgic and operational place in general aviation due to its simplicity, ease of maintenance, and pleasant flight characteristics.

N9171E: An Outstanding Example with Low Total Time

This particular aircraft—N9171E—is a 1956 Aeronca 11AC Chief with a rich restoration history and exceptionally low total, engine, and propeller times. From its recent structural updates to its reliable engine performance and classic aesthetic, this Chief is more than just a collectible—it’s a ready-to-fly aircraft ideal for anyone looking to own a piece of aviation history without sacrificing reliability.

Airframe

This Chief has accumulated only 1,746 hours total time, a remarkably low figure for an airframe approaching 80 years old. The aircraft was recovered using the Poly-Stits system in February 2024, ensuring modern fabric integrity and long-term durability.

Significantly, the right wing was reconstructed in 2024, featuring brand-new wooden spars, several new ribs, and a new tip bow—an effort that adds serious structural longevity. This work reflects both attention to safety and a commitment to preservation. The annual inspection is current through February 1, 2025, adding further assurance for prospective owners.

With a useful load of 420 pounds and a fuel capacity of 23 gallons, this Chief offers practical utility for two-seat operations, training, or short-range recreation.

Engine

The engine is a Continental A-65-8, serial number 5211768, rated at 65 horsepower. It has just 372 hours since major overhaul (SMOH), performed on December 10, 1986, by Land Air Associates—a respected name in aircraft engine work.

The engine continues to perform strongly, with compression results at 70/80, 72/80, 76/80, and 74/80, respectively. According to the current owner, it starts reliably on the second flip every time, demonstrating its tuned condition and low wear.

This low SMOH time is especially significant for buyers looking for immediate dispatch reliability without the need for near-term overhaul. It supports a compelling value proposition—an engine that’s been cared for, flown sparingly, and is ready to go.

Propeller

Installed in February 2024, the new wooden propeller has approximately 10 hours since new (SNEW). This addition complements the engine’s health and confirms the aircraft’s mechanical readiness. New wooden props are known for their smooth operation and vintage aesthetic, and having one fresh from installation offers a significant maintenance interval ahead.

The low prop time ensures minimal wear, no hidden defects, and a classic look in keeping with the aircraft’s heritage.

Avionics

Avionics in the 11AC Chief are deliberately simple, matching the aircraft’s day-VFR training and recreational mission. Included in the current panel are:

• Tachometer
  
• Oil Pressure Gauge
  
• Temperature Gauge
  
• Air Speed Indicator
  
• Altimeter
  
• Inclinometer
  

These instruments support basic VFR operation and aircraft monitoring. While not IFR-capable, the panel fulfills the Chief’s role as a nostalgic, stick-and-rudder flyer. The minimalist instrumentation also contributes to low operational complexity and easy pre-flight checks.

Exterior

The aircraft presents with a classic maroon and white fabric finish, restored in 2024 with Poly-Stits covering. The exterior shows attention to detail, traditional design cues, and modern restoration techniques. The newly added wooden prop enhances its classic taildragger appearance while providing strong functional performance.

No known corrosion is present, and the aircraft displays no obvious flaws. With recent structural work and fabric recover, it’s poised to remain in good condition for years to come.

Interior

The cockpit features brown side panels, a black instrument panel, and a brown leather seat, which was re-foamed and re-covered in 2020. The configuration is side-by-side seating for two, ideal for instruction, shared flights, or solo stick-and-rudder fun with extra elbow room.

The cabin retains a vintage but clean layout. For a 1940s aircraft, the seating is roomy, and the visibility is excellent. With simple trim, stick controls, and rudder pedals, it offers the “seat of the pants” flying experience many pilots enjoy.

Additional Features

N9171E comes with complete logbooks, ensuring a transparent maintenance history. This aircraft is free of known flaws, missing logs, or corrosion. The only noted incident was hangar damage to the right wing in 2020, which was fully repaired during the 2024 restoration with new spars, ribs, and tip bow.

The result is an aircraft that has been not only restored, but improved—reinforcing both airworthiness and longevity.

Uses and Pilot Appeal

The Aeronca Chief appeals to pilots seeking recreational flying, primary training, and vintage tailwheel experience. With its light weight, predictable handling, and docile stall characteristics, it is ideal for those who want to hone their skills or enjoy back-to-basics flying.

Thanks to its low fuel burn, ease of maintenance, and forgiving flight characteristics, the Chief remains a budget-friendly aircraft that delivers an authentic aviation experience. Many owners report that the Chief “flies hands-off when properly trimmed,” and that its simplicity makes it one of the most enjoyable aircraft of its era.

Auction Information

This aircraft will be offered at auction through Airspace Auctions from:

Starting Bid: $13,000
Buyer Premium: 6%
Deposit Required: $2,000

For aircraft in this condition—with low airframe hours, a low-time engine, a new prop, and complete logbooks—the starting bid represents exceptional value. The aircraft is turnkey and ready to fly, with a current annual, fresh fabric, and documented history.

Summary: Why N9171E is Worth a Look

The 1956 Aeronca Chief (N9171E) is a standout in today’s light aircraft market. It brings together historic design, low total and engine time, new structural updates, and modern restoration techniques in one affordable package. With only 1,746 hours total time, 372 hours SMOH, and a 10-hour SNEW wooden prop, the numbers speak to longevity and dependable ownership ahead.

Its simplicity, authenticity, and recent restoration make it ideal for:

• Vintage aviation enthusiasts
  
• Taildragger trainers
  
• Weekend flyers
  
• Budget-conscious pilots
  
• Collectors seeking low-time examples
  

Whether you’re looking for your first tailwheel aircraft, a low-cost flyer with timeless character, or a hands-on project with most of the heavy lifting already done, this Aeronca Chief checks all the boxes.

If you’re ready to own a piece of aviation history that’s ready to fly—not just hang in a museum—mark your calendar for May 28 to June 4, 2025, and get your bid in on N9171E. Classic charm, low time, and a fresh look—this Chief is ready for its next command.

Specifications and/or descriptions are provided as introductory information only and do not constitute representations or warranties. Verification of specifications remain the sole responsibility of purchaser.